On Sept. 25, Terri Bradshaw, Housing Development Manager of Affordable Housing for Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), joined with Abilene city officials and Mennonite Housing developers for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the clubhouse to celebrate the grand opening of Abilene Terrace senior homes.
Mennonite Housing Director of Property Development, Byron Adrian, provided opening remarks about the project’s inception: “We didn’t know if the housing need was greater for workforce housing or for seniors. So we ended up talking to the city and community members, and it became apparent to us that there was quite a need for senior housing.” Adrian then reached out to Abilene city commissioner and realtor John Kolhoff about land acquisition opportunities, who was instrumental in connecting the landowner with the city. The city agreed to rezone the land and made concessions with water and sewer assistance to help move the project forward. And the landowner, also a strong proponent of the project, sold the lot to the city at a reasonable price. Kolhoff and Adrian are in further discussions about adding more duplexes across the street in a possible phase two development.
Adrian thanked KHRC for the administration of funds which made the development possible. This includes $1.5 million in federal HOME funds, $695,000 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and an equal match of $695,000 in Kansas Affordable Housing Tax Credits (KAHTC). This funding allows residents deeper affordability at all income levels. Ten percent of the homes are allocated for extremely low-income households, and all rents are offered at a rate below the HUD Fair Market Rent values for the area.
Once the project was greenlit, Adrian held meetings at the Abilene senior center to gather input from potential residents. Local Sheryl Gray, who was eager to sell her home and downsize, attended the first meeting and quickly added herself to waiting list. In the meantime, she reached out to two of high school friends she grew up with in Miltonvale, KS and encouraged them to apply.
Now that all the residents have moved in, Gray and her friends enjoy each others company as senior residents within the Abilene Terrace community, which includes 32 homes within 16 duplexes. The friends enjoy planning regular coffee get-togethers and games with fellow residents at their clubhouse. Seniors like Sheryl who downsize by selling their homes also increase the housing stock in rural towns for those looking to buy their first home.
Gray is grateful to be surrounded by friends and a supportive community. She announced at the ribbon cutting, “I moved in here in January (2025) right before the snowstorm. In fact the day after I moved, we got that big snowstorm. ” I enjoy the convenience of somebody else mowing my lawn and shoveling my snow,” she says. As far as the quality of her new home she adds, “I’ve enjoyed it here. the homes are very nice; they’re just about the right size.” Homes are connected by walking paths, and amenities in each unit include energy-efficient washers and dryers, safe rooms, and walk-in showers with grab bars. The clubhouse provides access to free high-speed internet, a spacious community room, exercise room, craft room, a covered patio with a barbeque grill and bike rack.
Natalie Murato, Dickinson County Economic Development Director added, “Affordable housing is the foundation for growth in a strong community. I want to recognize the importance of projects like this in rural Kansas. For seniors, it means independence, peace of mind, and an ability to remain connected to a community they get to develop and build over the years. We celebrate not just the completion of a building, but those that will call Abilene Terrace home.”
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Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.